Upland Deciduous Forest

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Area: 1,958,000 acres

Description and Overall Condition: : This landscape component includes the larger tracts of native upland deciduous forest which occur scattered throughout the state and unique natural stands of coniferous forest. Representative upland forest, including deciduous and coniferous forests, wooded shrubland, riparian forests, and rural tree plantings, constitutes approximately 4.4% of North Dakota.

Ninety-eight percent of the states forestland is deciduous forest. The larger tracts of deciduous forest have been identified as Focus Areas and include the Pembina Gorge, Turtle Mountains, Devils Lake Hills, and the Killdeer Mountains. The Ponderosa Pines is a coniferous forest Focus Area. Smaller, scattered tracts of deciduous forest occur on the Sheyenne River (see Figure 30) bluffs and north- and east-facing slopes of the badlands (see Figure 33). These natural upland tracts of deciduous trees in North Dakota represent a unique community rare to the state. Most forested areas are under private ownership and are used primarily for cattle grazing. Over-harvest for wood products does not appear to be of concern but the lack of forest regeneration in some areas is of concern. Clearing of trees for farming or other development is ongoing.